No-Fault PIP Insurance: The Pros and Cons

Florida no-fault PIP insurance laws mean that recovery of damages for injuries under this policy is not dictated by fault and is carried out through one’s own insurance. If you have full coverage in amounts that take care of your medical expenses, that’s great, but the coverage may not be enough to fully cover injuries drivers experience in serious accidents, which may require filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

The Florida no-fault laws have both positive and negative effects on the car accident claims system. I have dealt with numerous insurance situations, from no insurance to full coverage, and as an Florida PIP insurance attorney, I can tell you that the no-fault system is both a boon and a burden to Florida drivers.

The Pros of Florida No-Fault Insurance Laws

Let’s start with the good parts of no-fault insurance. In our state, one of the benefits is that by carrying minimum insurance ($10,000 PIP coverage), you ensure you are covered if in an accident. Your own insurance policy covers your damages from your injuries under this policy, so even if the other driver is uninsured, your own insurance can provide coverage for injuries up to policy limits.

You also alleviate some of the frustration of settling your injury claim, because you only have your own insurance company to deal with when recovering compensation under this policy. This can allow for faster processing of claims and faster settlement payouts in some cases.

There are fewer chances you will need to file a lawsuit, as long as your coverage is enough to pay your damages. Of course, if necessary, an Orlando car accident attorney can help file a lawsuit or pursue an insurance claim for property damage or even injury costs against the other driver’s insurance policy.

The Cons of Florida No-Fault Insurance Laws

Florida’s no-fault PIP laws recently changed to dictate that victims must seek medical treatment within 14 days. Emergency conditions may be covered up to the full $10,000 limit. An emergency medical condition may be classified as such by certain types of healthcare professionals, such as a medical doctor (MD), doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO), and dentist.

But non-emergency care – such as visiting a chiropractor – is covered up to $2,500. Massage therapy and acupuncture are no longer covered under Florida’s no-fault PIP. Further, non-economical damages are not covered by Florida no-fault insurance coverage.

Regardless of the Insurance Situation, Orlando Car Accident Attorney Michael Gibson Can Help

Florida law requires drivers carry no-fault PIP insurance as well as $10,000 property damage liability (PDL). The latter covers you if you cause damage to others’ property in an accident. Bodily injury liability is also available, but not required for most drivers, and covers costs related to injuries you cause to others if you were to be sued by the other driver.

My goal as an Orlando auto accident attorney is to recover the highest settlement for my clients as possible. I can help pursue compensation from your PIP coverage, the other driver’s property damage liability coverage, or even the other driver’s bodily damage liability insurance. You have nothing to lose with a free consultation at my office. Call 407-422-4529 to schedule an appointment with an Orlando car accident attorney to discuss Florida no-fault PIP insurance and how it applies to your claim.

Additional PIP Insurance Resources:

• The history of PIP insurance
• No fault laws and driving behavior 
• Law changes to Florida PIP